VINTAGE NOTES   printable version +

The viticultural year began as usual with pruning, tying and general trellis and irrigation maintenance. Winter rainfall was 50% lower than normal so some preseason irrigation was required to fill the soil profile.

Bud-break occurred by mid-April and we were fortunate to experience only light frost damage. Shoot thinning started early May and was followed by cluster thinning, removal of sucker canes and topping and hedging.

Sauvignon Blanc was the first variety to be picked and is showing more of the typical varietal characteristics than last year. Syrah, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot fruit is of outstanding quality. Cabernet Sauvignon was a little late in ripening, but the increased hang-time for the fruit was beneficial.

This is now our fourth vintage and it has been pleasing to see how the vines are maturing and how this affects the quality of the fruit they produce. The quality of the harvest has been uniformly high.

 

 

 

THE WINES OF 2002


 

Vina Robles 2002 Chardonnay, Edna Ranch

(Sold out at winery)

Light, golden color, with aromas of fresh, ripe fruit, together with hints of honeyed citrus and toasted almonds. Complex and intense flavors of citrus with a smooth well rounded and nutty finish.
Now thru 2006

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Jardine Vineyard

(Sold out at winery)

Clear pale straw in color, with aromas of fresh, tropical fruits and hints of dried apricots. Complex with bold flavors of stone fruits, this wine is well balanced with a long finish.
Now thru 2006

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate

(Sold out at winery)

Deep cherry red. Intense aromas of plums, and zesty cherry with a hint of spice, smoke and vanilla. Ripe, rich and sweet with medium body and great extract. A long finish with ripe tannins and good structure.
Now thru 2012

  • 92 Points - Beverage Dynamics, September 2006 “Fruit is bright and uplifting; nice structure and length of finish; a surprising value.”
  • Double Gold Medal - Florida State Fair International Wine Competition 2006
  • Gold Medal - American Wine Society 2006
  • Gold Medal - Critics Challenge International Wine Competition 2006
  • Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2006
  • Silver Medal - Pacific Rim International Wine Competition 2006

 

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Petite Sirah, Jardine

(Sold out at winery)

Deep purple, almost blue. Intense aromas of dark berry fruits including notes of blueberry and plum. This full bodied wine is juicy and rounded on the palate with ripe, firm tannins; blackberry plum and blueberry fruit with a touch of spice and pepper; long, pleasant finish.
Now thru 2012

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Signature

(Sold out at winery)

Our Signature blend is made from three grape varieties that winemaker Matthias Gubler feels are the ultimate expression of Vina Robles’ terroir. It is a blend of the Bordeaux grape Petit Verdot along with two Rhone varieties Syrah and Petite Sirah. Ruby red to purple, complex and intriguing aromas; plush and velvety on the palate with wonderful texture and seamless balance.
Now thru 2008

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Syrah, Estate

(Sold out at winery)

Dark cherry red with blue tints and intense aromas of black fruits together with floral notes and hints of white pepper, earth, liquorice and vanilla. Flavors of blackberries and boysenberries together with currants, spice and candied fruits. Silky and soft with a juicy quality, well balanced with soft but ripe tannins and a long pleasant finish.
Now thru 2012

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Syrah, Huerhuero

(Sold out at winery)

Dark cherry red with blue tints and intense aromas of black fruits together with floral notes and hints of white pepper, earth, liquorice and vanilla. Flavors of blackberries and boysenberries together with currants, spice and candied fruits. Silky and soft with a juicy quality, well balanced with soft but ripe tannins and a long pleasant finish
Now thru 2012

 

 

Vina Robles 2002 Zinfandel, Westside

(Sold out at winery)

Deep cherry red. Aromas of red and black berry fruits. This wine is full bodied with fabulous extract and mouth-feel. Flavors of raspberry and boysenberry and brambles dominate the palate and are complemented by a touch of spice, vanilla and toasted oak.
Now thru 2009